A new banking services pod will open in Hexham following the confirmation that the former Barclays branch building will close on Friday, March 1.

The closure of the branch on Priestpopple was announced in December last year after the bank saw a decline in service usage.

The new mobile bank pod will open on Monday, March 4, at the Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham and will be available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm and then from 1.30pm to 4.00pm each day.

The pod is to help with customer inquiries, but it is a cashless site, so every day banking transactions will need to be completed at the local post office.

READ MORE Hexham Barclays to close in March 2024

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Barclays is committed to deploying a range of more flexible ways that customers can physically interact with the bank, this includes over 300 pop-up banking sites located in town centres, including presence in spaces such as community centres, libraries and business hubs where it offers drop in and pre-booked appointments.

“We’re delighted to launch the replace banking service here in Hexham. This represents our commitment to customers and the local community who wish to continue to have an in-person banking presence by offering the ability to visit Barclays on their local high street, albeit in a different environment.”

Cllr Suzanne Fairless-Aitken said: "'Sadly, the future of high street banking is changing and I was pleased to hear Barclays are thinking about alternative provisions for our older residents  - many of whom have already been in touch - and those who don't have internet banking by providing the new service at the Wentworth Leisure Centre.

"It should be noted that although many services will be available here, actual cash transactions will not but the Post Office on Battle Hill will still be able to do those and indeed has great banking facilities of its own.

"It's also worth noting that other banks are available."